Islamists Gain Momentum in Syria

After U.S. Efforts to Bolster Moderates and Subdue Extremists, Terrorist-Designated Group Gains Ground

By

Nour Malas

Updated Feb. 27, 2013 7:57 p.m. ET

BEIRUT—Extremists intent on establishing an Islamist state in Syria have gained power within the rebel insurgency, while moderates have lost clout since moves by Washington late last year aimed at the opposite result, U.S. officials and rebel fighters say.

On the eve of the most recent gathering of the Friends of Syria international opposition support group in December, the Obama administration designated Syrian jihadist group Jabhat...